Pit for LM
Auto-translated
From each group, the top 2 players with the highest number of points advance to the playoffs. In case of a tie in points within a group, the player with the higher seasonal rating from the summer of 2009 advances. If the seasonal ratings are also equal, the player with the higher permanent rating on the date of the group stage's conclusion advances. If there's still a tie, the player who completed their group stage matches the fastest (based on reports in this thread) advances.
There are many participants, and the players are strong; there are 8 groups of 5 people each. The probability of players scoring the same number of points is very high, which has been confirmed. A strong criterion was needed to determine the ranking within the group.
Additional games were ruled out because it would have prolonged the tournament. Let's look at the current situation: additional games are needed in groups C, E, F, G, and H. This means extending the group stage by at least a month. Then, our participants who didn't meet the deadlines would also want to finish their games. And groups A, B, and D would be waiting.
And what if the situation repeats itself after the additional games? Another round?
Speed of playing matches is a good criterion. But what if opponents who scored the same number of points played their last match against each other?
We used the summer rating as the criterion. First, it's clear. Second, it encourages player activity.
Perhaps it would be fairer to use the permanent rating as the criterion, but there's an organizational aspect to consider. We would need to use the rating from a specific date, but it's not entirely clear how to determine this date in advance, and whether it will coincide with when Vitaly has time to calculate the next rating and when our stage ends.
Is it unfair? Provide a fair criterion, and I will gladly use it in the next tournament.